SCOUT’S BLOG

NEW TO CBD? Learn from industry expert Kate Phillips [part 2]

In part 1 of our conversation with Kate Phillips of Silk Canna, we discussed information and misinformation about CBD, and how research is catching up to CBD regulations and business. In part 2 we’ll share how to set the right expectations with CBD, how to approach it for the first time, dosing, and filtering out deceiving information about CBD.

Setting the right expectations

CBD is a change of pace in health care. Going to the doctor and getting a prescription for an ailment or any over-the-counter medicine for the side effects, is not what to anticipate with CBD recommendations. Kate shares, “Modern healthcare has created this environment where we go to the doctor, we are told what to take, and exactly how it will make us feel. Cannabis puts the power of effect back to the consumer - not everyone wants this power. The experience comes back to genetics and personal chemistry. If your pain was a 10 to start and you get it down to, say an 8, that’s a good start. It takes time to get your dosage just right, but you’re in control and journaling helps, especially in the beginning, to record and understand the impact. Once you’ve dialed up the right amount, you should try a little less to optimize the effect and save a buck or two.”

"Cannabis puts the power of effect back to the consumer - not everyone wants this power."

A friendly reminder that we are walking chemistry experiments, and everyone has a different tolerance and need when it comes to CBD.

Trying CBD for the first time

Start low and go slow; that’s the CBD mantra today. In Kate’s experience, “Even though there is a limit to most drugs, there is not with cannabis. You cannot overdose, but lower levels of CBD are much more optimal in terms of efficacy. However, when you may have overlapping and coinciding conditions the equation is a little more complex. For example, a low dose of CBD may be effective for mild social anxiety but not enough for chronic pain due to inflammation. That’s where you really need to the right amount of CBD for you.” The problem is a lot of patients have a tricky dosage when a certain amount of cannabis may help one symptom but not another. CBD effects different symptoms and slightly different dosage amounts. Relief Scout, and Kate, recommend small dosages of CBD to start and slowly increasing dosage until relief is felt.

“Everything should be as simple as possible, but no simpler.” - Einstein

Approaching cannabis for the first time can be overwhelming. By the time you learn what CBD is, chances are you’re inundated with new terminology, calculating mL to mg conversions for the first time since you took chemistry, and wondering what noticeable difference CBD will make with mostly anecdotal evidence to work with. Kate simplifies for us, “For most people, 5 to 25mg of CBD is enough to get started, you want to err on the side of caution with your starting dosage. I typically suggest 5 to 10 mg if you’re new to CBD. Even though there is no risk of overdose, unlike Opiates, pharmaceutical drugs or alcohol, the hemp plant is more effective at smaller dosages. Not only is there less risk of side effects, such as fatigue and dehydration, you get a better bang for your buck.”

Microdosing is also a low risk/high reward approach to CBD. Kate agrees, “Find the smallest amount of medicine that helps you the most. I take a small amount because it’s easier to take more and you can never take less. There are a lot of things that impact how we experience relief. One thing that we do know is that CBD is more effective eaten or taken via a tincture than smoked.” This is largely due to the fact CBD binds with the CB2 receptors of our endocannabinoid system – these receptors are primarily found in the stomach.

Giving up the ghost

There is a lot of negative misinformation and stretching of the truth regarding what we know about CBD today. In the long run, that hurts more than it helps. It’s an incredible time for cannabis as more parents and grandparents are approaching cannabis and CBD as a lighter alternative to medication with heavy side effects. “One bad apple gives us all a bad name. Cannabis businesses need to open the door to more conversations, so the industry has one voice. People shouldn’t be in this business are in it solely for money, you don’t have to necessarily be a cannabis consumer as a business owner, but you should care about the plant and want to make a difference for patients. We should be sending the customer to place where they can get the most help, even if that means another business. If you put care into a visitor, they may come back or refer another customer. I’d like to see more dispensaries co-hosting events, partnering with scientific experts and building a stronger idea ecosystem to effect positive change.” Before businesses become part of the next wave of reefer madness, the message is simple: authenticity and people are what are most important for hemp to thrive.

John has over 13 years of experience in finance and consulting. John has joined the industry-wide mission to educate and introduce people to the value of this often misunderstood component of the hemp plant. When not working with the Relief Scout vendors, you can find John and his wife enjoying the great outdoors and surfing in San Francisco. And if you ever want to talk music, John is all ears.

At Relief Scout, we are dedicated to providing a customized CBD solution for you and we only recommend top quality vendors that meet our standards so that you know what you are putting into your body. Allow us to help you find the relief you deserve. Scout’s Honor!

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